Title: Life of a Happy Disciple ①
Contents
Happy Disciple Life ① (1 Timothy 4:6~16)
Unlike above the surface of the coast of Thailand, which was quickly turned into a 'living hell' by a tsunami, it was calm enough to do skin scuba diving in the depths of the sea. Even if we lead a religious life, it is difficult and difficult and there are many conflicts at the beginning of our faith, but when we enter the deep state of faith, we overcome all difficulties and on the contrary, our hearts overflow with peace and joy. A swimmer can swim well and is not hard when he puts his body in the water. However, I give strength to my body not to fall into the water, and even though I try all kinds of struggles, my body does not go away and my body is exhausted. In the same way in our religious life, if we do not entrust ourselves to the power of the Holy Spirit, but live according to our own experiences and desires, the life of faith is difficult and the life of discipleship feels difficult. What must we do to live a happy life of discipleship?
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I. Practice godliness (7, 8)
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“Abandon the vain and vain myths and practice only the attaining of godliness. 8Physical exercise has little benefit, but godliness is beneficial for all things, and there is promise in this life and in the life to come.”
In order to live a godly life, we have to throw away “spectacled and vain myths”. This represents the endless genealogies and myths claimed by heretics (1 Timothy 1:4). Those who wish to live a godly life must actively “practice attaining godliness”. This practice of godliness (敬虔) contrasts with the “physical exercise” of verse 8. Physical exercise means that athletes train to win competitions. Just because we believe in Jesus does not mean that we become godly overnight. So you have to train and train your body to get it. Training to train the body is beneficial for a while, but godliness is beneficial in all things.
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Ⅱ. Do your best (10)
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“For this we toil and exert ourselves, because we put our hope in the living God, the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.”
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Ⅲ. Command and Teach (11)
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“You command these things and teach them.”
The Apostle Paul is telling Timothy to teach the church with authority based on certain truths. When we, too, teach what we have learned, better disciples can be produced. If you teach without the assurance of salvation or the truth, you will inevitably be rebuked before God. To teach clearly, you must learn and train properly. Today's era demands a person who has a clear conviction of salvation and who stands clearly on the truth. Our church should be a church that learns and teaches. No matter how much your faith has grown and your experience is old, you must learn from a spiritual teacher and mentor. Such a person can continue to grow in faith and reach the fullness of the stature of Jesus Christ.
①Be an example (12)
“Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for those who believe in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.”
Education that serves as an example (behavior, love, and faith) should be an example through actions, not just words. This is mountain education. Jesus called his disciples and lived with them, setting an example in life and in deeds. The three things mentioned in the text, “love,” “faith,” and “fidelity,” are the inner qualities of a Christian, and these are ultimately linked to life in relation to others. “Love” is expressed in words and deeds, “faith” is grounded in love, and “chastity” is morally utter purity. Paul recommends that Timothy, although a young man, act trustworthy in the sight of God and men by taking care of others, with love and faith in words and deeds, just like a man who had lived a life of sufficient experience.
Saints! I hope that we too, when guiding others, not only with our mouths, but also with love, faith, and fidelity, become leaders with the power of influence that move us.(2004.1.2)
[Continued next week]